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2014 ES350 Ride Quality Drop

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Old 10-30-15, 11:06 AM
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kxaz145
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Default 2014 ES350 Ride Quality Drop

I have had my ES350 since March 2014 when it was purchased new. I don't drive a lot of miles as work is a 12 mile round trip and an occasional longer trip on weekends. About 6,500 miles on the clock. Here's my issue, the ride quality has decreased visibly recently. I feel every expansion joint and road irregularity as I drive around. My first thought is shocks and struts, but after this few miles? I had kept air pressure at 35psi, but after a dealer service a few months ago they bumped the front tires to 37. When I feel the road issues it affects front and back, so although high, shouldn't be that I would think.

Anyone else experiencing this type of problem? I looked and drove a lot of cars wanting a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. This is my first Lexus and I'm starting to question my choice.

JimB
Old 10-30-15, 11:10 AM
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Joeb427
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Tire air pressure is too high.
Run 32 all around for smoother ride.
1,2 or 3 tenths less MPGs and a bit more tire wear but with your mileage per,no real issue.
I run 1-2lbs less pressure than the label on the door number for a softer ride.
Old 10-30-15, 11:54 AM
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mspearl95
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Yeah definitely tire pressure is too high. I set mine to 30(cold), and then they get up to about 33 driving. A few psi does make a huge difference in ride quality on the ES.
Old 10-30-15, 12:01 PM
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lesz
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I agree with the others.

I keep my tires at the recommended 33 psi. Ride quality, for my tastes, is very good. Fuel economy has been excellent, and tire wear has been even and good. If I wanted a bit softer ride, I might think of dropping the tire pressure to 31 or 32 psi.

At 35 psi, I would expect the ride quality to feel somewhat harsh, and I have no idea why the dealer would go even higher than that and set the pressure to 37 psi. I'm not surprised that, at that psi, you are feeling every expansion joint in the road.
Old 10-30-15, 11:02 PM
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dxerg3770
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For me, the ride gets exponentially worse after 35psi. I keep mine all around 32psi cold. After it goes above 36psi on hotter days, I can feel the ride getting more harsher.
Old 10-31-15, 03:13 PM
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Arty101
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Don't know what the dealer was thinking. Like others have said, try going a bit lower to 32 psi or even 30 psi. Play with that and see if you feel the softer ride you were looking for.
Old 10-31-15, 09:15 PM
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SW17LS
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Dealers always over-inflate the tires. The issue is tire pressure, reduce to 32 to start and go from there.

My LS says 33, I've been running 31.
Old 11-02-15, 10:59 AM
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kxaz145
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Thanks to all, temperature dropped to low 60's this morning after a cool front and the ride was much better. I'll make this permanent (lower air pressure) as soon as possible.
Old 11-04-15, 06:20 AM
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Nelexus88
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Originally Posted by kxaz145
Thanks to all, temperature dropped to low 60's this morning after a cool front and the ride was much better. I'll make this permanent (lower air pressure) as soon as possible.
Dealer may have increased the tire pressure anticipating the upcoming winter season when ambient temps are lower and tire pressures drop
Old 11-04-15, 07:09 AM
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Joeb427
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Originally Posted by Nelexus88
Dealer may have increased the tire pressure anticipating the upcoming winter season when ambient temps are lower and tire pressures drop

I find tire pressure is always high regardless of the season.
You would think dealers would adjust the tire pressure for better test ride comfort.
Old 11-04-15, 07:51 AM
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kellens
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Originally Posted by Joeb427
I find tire pressure is always high regardless of the season.
You would think dealers would adjust the tire pressure for better test ride comfort.
I think they adjust them thinking most drivers won't check them until oil change.

I agree with test driving, lowering the pressure was a marked improvement.

I also found new 2016 ES to be significantly better riding and quieter on back to back drive with 2015 ES with same tires, same wheels, and same tire pressure.

They made some big changes in 2016, but only thing I could find on their press release was 'suspension tuning and adopting IS technology", which would think would mean sportier, but is more plush. Whatever they did for 2016, it's much nicer.
Old 11-04-15, 01:01 PM
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Kenya
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You folks are awesome now I know why my ride has been crazy since I took it to the dealer last week. This site rocks.
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